Below are frequently asked questions and resources related to the State of Minnesota vs. Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao trials.
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Trial timeline
- March 8: Jury Selection begins for Derek Chauvin trial
- March 29: Opening statements, State of Minnesota’s case begins vs. Derek Chauvin
- Trial duration: approximately 2-4 weeks
- August 23: Trial proceedings begin for J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao trial
Web and phone resources
Minnesota Judicial Branch website: State vs. Derek Chauvin information page + sign-up to receive updates
mpls downtown open restaurants and retail stores
Operation Safety Net: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Street Closures map – City of Minneapolis
If you need Ambassador services or other assistance downtown, please call the DID Hotline: (612) 332-1111
City services and information: 311 (or visit the 311 online resource page)
Non-emergency police assistance: (612) 348-2345 (more info)
Report suspicious activity: (612) 692-8477 (TIPS)
Emergencies: 911
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the trial take place?
Currently, the trial of Derek Chauvin is scheduled to begin on March 8, 2021, with jury selection. Jury selection could run through March 26, 2021. Opening statements and the commencement of the State’s case will begin no earlier than March 29, 2021. Three other former Minneapolis police officers will be tried together, in a separate trial, beginning Aug. 23, 2021.
How long will the trial last?
We do not know how long the trial will last. At a minimum, experts anticipate the trial could last 2-4 weeks.
Who are the defendants?
The defendants are former Minneapolis police officers. The four are: Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao.
Where will the trial take place?
The trial is scheduled to take place in Hennepin County District Court. The Hennepin County Courthouse is in downtown Minneapolis, adjacent to Minneapolis City Hall and near the Federal Courthouse.
Will there be one trial? Or will each defendant be tried separately?
There will be two trials. Jury selection for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin will begin on March 8, 2021. Opening statements in that case are scheduled for March 29, 2021. A second trial will begin on Aug. 23, 2021, for former officers J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao. The three will be tried together.
Will the trial be televised?
Yes, the judge ruled that cameras will be allowed in the courtroom.
Will there be protests?
No known protests are scheduled at this time, but they are anticipated. Protests around racial and social justice have occurred in cities and towns across the United States, including in Minneapolis. It is important to note that most protests that took place in Minneapolis in 2020 were peaceful.
How is the city of Minneapolis preparing to maintain public safety during the trial?
A coordinated planning effort by the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Transit Police Department, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota State Patrol, the Minnesota National Guard, and additional mutual aid partners are part of the security plan leading up to and through the trial.
Will streets be blocked during the trial?
There will be a security perimeter in place during the trial. More details will be updated soon.
Will Minneapolis businesses be open or closed during the trial?
Yes, Minneapolis will be open for business before, during and after the trial.
Does Minneapolis still have a police department? Has the Minneapolis Police Department been defunded/disbanded?
Yes, the Minneapolis City Charter requires a minimum level of police staffing based on the number of residents in Minneapolis, and the 2021 city budget includes more than $171 million for the MPD. In addition, the city is investing in additional community safety initiatives.
When will the National Guard and additional security presence be downtown?
Law enforcement and National Guard will be available downtown throughout the trial, starting March 8th.
Should I board my windows up during the trial?
Additional security presence will be downtown during the trial. Individual businesses will need to determine if you board or do not board your windows.
